The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Specialist Sixth Class Richard R. Smith, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Specialist Smith distinguished himself by heroic action on 16 November 1962 as crew chief of a GH-21C helicopter in support of ground forces of the Republic of Vietnam. During a heliborne attack in the vicinity of Van Hoa, Specialist Smith’s aircraft was damaged in landing. Despite hostile fire in the immediate vicinity of the aircraft, Specialist Smith made temporary repairs on the helicopter using a minimum of equipment. Although a good possibility existed that the aircraft would come apart in the air, Specialist Smith, serving as crew chief, voluntarily flew aboard the crippled helicopter to a friendly airstrip approximately fifteen miles away. Specialist Smith’s devotion to duty reflects great credit upon him and the United States Army and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.